As a co-founder of the Work and Play Disability Community Center, a nonprofit supporting Michigan’s neurodiverse community, I am dedicated to providing programs, resources, events, and awareness campaigns that create a meaningful impact. Being a mother to my daughter, Deanna, who has Down syndrome, is my greatest inspiration. Her journey motivates me every day to advocate for the disability community and work toward a more inclusive, supportive environment for all. After attending conferences and recognizing the need for similar opportunities in Michigan, I became involved in the E3 Neurodiversity Conference—Embrace, Educate, Empower. I am grateful to collaborate with Eastern Michigan University as the co-chair of this conference.

The E3 Conference is a game-changer, uniting professionals, students, and families in one space. It is unique in bringing together diverse sectors, including disability law, medical professionals, advocacy, virtual reality technology, sensory experiences, the legislative landscape, and therapies, covering all aspects of neurodiversity.

Laura is an advocate and leader, an individual who seeks to bring communities together to support inclusion and an awareness of the need to work together for the protection of our human rights. Informed by her studies of Holistic Health, as well as, Music, she applies a creative approach to every project she endeavors including fundraisers, protests in support of reproductive freedom, an annual Pride Parade in the City of Milan (2022-2024) and, most recently, the E3 Neurodiversity Conference.

As a mother of a child with Down Syndrome, Laura has sought to bring awareness to the challenges for individuals of “all-abilities” and their families in our local communities. She believes that meeting the needs of the most vulnerable individuals in our communities will ultimately benefit everyone. With a passionate drive and hardworking sensibility, Laura will continue to use art, innovation, communication and connection to create common sense change.

The Workshop for Community+Collaboration is a Ypsilanti-based coalition which seeks to work in collaboration with groups/orgs/agencies that address children and family needs between the home and the school. Operating out of Eastern Michigan University's College of Education, it leverages the collective resources and skills of EMU faculty and staff in collaboration with partners to service educational and community needs.

Hannah received her BA in English from Concord University and her MA in Women's and Gender Studies with an emphasis in Educational Leadership here at EMU. Hannah is a Ph.D. student and Doctoral Fellow in the Educational Studies program while also serving as the Site Coordinator in the Project BIG Mentoring Program. Her research focuses on Queer thought in after school spaces, critical mentorship, and equity-based thinking through the deconstruction of social norms and binaries in schools. Being a first generation high school graduate from rural Appalachia, Hannah’s research is very personal to her and her passion for education stems from the many educators, mentors, and community members who mentored her along the way. When Hannah isn’t working on her to-do list between work and school, she can usually be found binge-watching reality television with her spouse and three cats. 

Dr. Sally Burton-Hoyle came to Michigan in 1994 to be the Executive Director of the Autism Society of Michigan where she championed person-centered planning and PBS as an alternative to the use of seclusion and restraint. She came to EMU in 2006 to develop a graduate and ultimately an undergraduate program in ASD. Sally and other colleagues developed the Autism Collaborative Center and in 2010 initiated the College Supports Program which serves EMU students with ASD. EMU is a neurodiverse campus and this conference will advance the acceptance of neurodiverse people.

Hi, I’m Elon English (she/her), a junior at Eastern Michigan University studying Elementary Education grades 3-6 and Special Education with a focus area in learning disabilities. I grew up in Detroit, MI, and have been in Ypsilanti since graduating high school.I’m involved in three clubs that center around connecting with and uplifting those in my community. Throughout my time at EMU, I’ve built a strong community of people who have inspired and supported me in my passion for advocacy and helping others. I believe that not everyone has been granted equal opportunities or financial stability, which is why I’m committed to making a difference. This conference is an opportunity for me to learn, engage with like-minded individuals, and find new ways to deepen my involvement in the surrounding area. My goal is to continue fostering spaces where education, equity, and community come together to create lasting impact.

Dr. Audrey Farrugia obtained all three of her degrees from Eastern Michigan University (Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education, Honors College ‘06, Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology ’09, and Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Studies: Urban Education ‘16). She is currently the Interim Faculty Program Director for Communication Sciences and Disorders and the College of Education’s RAIJE (Representing Antiracism, Inclusivity, Justice, and Equity) committee chair. Her research interests focus on social justice in speech-language pathology, the scholarship of teaching and learning, and early intervention. She identifies as having an invisible disability and is an active member of the community with her partner, Jeff, and four children, Theodore, Nora, Isaac, and Elliott. When she is not at work you can find Audrey with her family, reading, yogaing, or playing/coaching volleyball.

Rebecca (Becca) Louick is an assistant professor at EMU. Prior to her doctoral studies, she was a classroom teacher of middle and high school students with learning disabilities for eight years. Becca teaches courses in the special education teacher preparation program. She also conducts qualitative research related to academic motivation among adolescents with learning disabilities. In her research, Becca prioritizes elevating the voices of students with disabilities themselves, and their teachers, so that those constituents' lived experiences are prioritized. She is proud to support the Work & Play Center in establishing this important conference for the local community.

I am an EMU professor based in the Department of English Language and Literature, who also teaches in the Critical Disability Studies Minor. I am interested in how literary arts can teach us about this history of disability, and in Disability aesthetics. For example, last year I hosted an event on Neurodiversity and Narrative that asked how cognitive difference might affect how we write and read stories. I am also proud to have recently joined the Work and Play Board of Directors.

Amy was ‘drafted’ into the disability field when her son Owen was diagnosed with profound nonverbal Autism at age 2.  Now at 22, he continues to inspire her work as Southeast Regional Parent Mentor for Michigan Alliance for Families – providing free special education information and support to parents of students from birth to age 26.  

It's very rewarding to share her ongoing family journey, and to help educate and empower other parents to become their children’s first and best advocates.

Caregiver support groups and respite outings are the primary focus of her volunteer/advisor role with The Work & Play Disability Resource Center.

She’s enjoyed reconnecting with former EMU colleagues, and local leaders to collaborate on the exciting first E3 Conference- an opportunity to showcase the strengths, abilities, talents and often complex needs of those across the entire spectrum of Neurodiversity.

Amy has learned first-hand that behavior is communication, and that love needs no words…

Aydan is a graduate student in the Master’s program in Communication Sciences and Disorders at Eastern Michigan University (EMU), where she also earned her Bachelor's degree in the same field. Growing up with a learning disability, speech challenges, and a late ADHD diagnosis, Aydan has personally navigated the difficulties of accessing proper support and is passionate about helping others with communication difficulties. Her experiences with self-advocacy have inspired her to advocate for better resources for individuals facing similar difficulties, especially within the context of Neurodiversity. In addition to her studies, she works as a student assistant for the E3 Conference which focuses on raising awareness about neurodiverse individuals. Aydan also observes speech-language pathologists in Ann Arbor and Plymouth, while working part-time at Buddy’s Pizza. With a deep commitment to improving support systems, she is dedicated to helping others with communication challenges achieve success.

Betsy Stoelt works as a mental health educational specialist at Eastern Michigan University’s 21st Century program serving professionals, K-12 youth and community partners in three school districts. Betsy is also a psychotherapist serving Washtenaw county and a part-time lecturer in the social work department at EMU. Betsy graduated with her Master's Degree in Social Work from Eastern Michigan University in 2014 after being a childhood educator for ten years in a Montessori learning environment. She obtained her PhD in Educational Studies from EMU with a focus on Urban Education with her qualitative research study implementing Reflective Supervision with educators. Betsy professionally supports and engages learners in professional development surrounding social, emotional learning for adult learners and trauma-informed practice for local school districts and community organizations.  Betsy has been working has been working with children and families in southeast Michigan since 2003 as an educator, para professional, behavioral therapist and clinical social worker.